Good security makes good business sense

Along with other risks, such as accidents or natural disasters, the possibility of a terrorist attack should be considered as part of a business’ risk management plan.

Businesses can minimise the impact of terrorism by having adequate risk management and business continuity plans in place. These plans need to consider physical security, information security and personnel security.

The Australian Government is working hard to reduce the risk of terrorism. Initiatives include an increased intelligence capacity, strengthened defence forces, the updating of anti-terrorism laws and comprehensive testing of Australia’s counter-terrorism arrangements under the National Counter-Terrorism Plan.

Critical infrastructure

The Australian Government is also working with the owners and operators of our critical infrastructure to ensure that the systems we rely on, such as power, water, banking, communications, food, transport, health and emergency services, are resilient to all hazards, including terrorism.

On 30 June 2010, the Australian Government released its Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategy. A key imperative of the strategy is to have an effective business-government partnership with critical infrastructure owners and operators. The Trusted Information Sharing Network for Critical Infrastructure Resilience is one avenue for this partnership.

Australia’s state and territory governments can also advise businesses in their jurisdictions about their programs for security awareness.

Related publications

The Australian Government’s Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategy provides the Australian Government's approach to critical infrastructure resilience. 

The Good Security—Good Business booklet aims to raise awareness about risk management and business continuity amongst small and medium sized enterprises.